250 million bees escape after truck crash, residents warned
Approximately 250 million honeybees were set free after a truck transporting them overturned on a road in Washington State, near the Canadian border, CBS News reported. Residents were urged to avoid the vicinity of the accident.
A statement from the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office emphasized that swarming and dispersal of bees might occur in the incident area.
"Avoid the area": Truck accident with bees
"250 million bees are now loose. AVOID THE AREA due to the potential of bee escaping and swarming," authorities warned.
In recordings released by local police, swarms of bees can be seen hovering over the overturned vehicle.
Authorities are working with beekeepers to set up temporary hives near the accident site, allowing the bees to return and save as many as possible.
Beekeepers collaborated with the police to reestablish box hives—special containers used for bee farming. The plan is for the bees to return to the hives and find the queen, which, as stated, should happen within 24–48 hours.
Recordings published by the police show large swarms of bees circling the overturned truck. It was emphasized that many beekeepers are involved not only in honey production but also in renting out hives to farmers who need bees for crop pollination.
In a later statement published on social media, the services thanked "the wonderful community of beekeepers," informing that over 20 people were involved in the assistance.
